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3 key Vancouver Canucks takeaways from 4-2 win vs LA Kings: Hughes continues hot streak, Boeser may miss time, and more

Modified Nov 08, 2024 10:30 GMT

It was a Pacific Division clash at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday night, as the Vancouver Canucks took on the Los Angeles Kings hoping to pick up their seventh win of the season.

It was a Hollywood-style ending for Vancouver, who held on for a 4-2 win and improved to 7-2-3 on the season, while the Kings dropped to a modest 8-4-3 with the setback.

The Canucks found themselves trailing early in the contest, as Quinton Byfield beat goaltender Kevin Lankinen with a backhand shot just 1:43 after the opening faceoff.

However, the Canucks rebounded and knotted the score, thanks to a power play tally from Connor Garland, his fourth goal of the year.

First-year Canucks forward Jake DeBrusk put on a show and scored a highlight-reel goal in the second period, giving the Canucks a 2-1 lead by dangling Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper and picking up his third goal in as many games:

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Captain and reigning Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Quinn Hughes extended Vancouver's lead to two goals early in the third period with his third tally of the season.

The Kings wouldn't go away quietly, as Vladislav Gavrikov found the scoresheet for the first time this season and cutting the Canucks' lead to one. However, Vancouver would seal the victory, thanks to J.T. Miller's empty-net goal, with 1:14 remaining in regulation and Kuemper lifted for the extra attacker.

Lankinen continued his impressive story with the Canucks, making 25 saves for his seventh victory. Kuemper stopped 19 shots in a losing effort.

Let's now examine the three biggest takeaways from Thursday night's game in Hollywood.

3 biggest takeaways from Vancouver Canucks' 3-1 win over Los Angeles Kings

#3. Forward Brock Boeser could miss time after taking a dangerous hit

Canucks forward Brock Boeser was leveled by Kings forward Tanner Jeannot in the neutral zone with a dangerous hit to the head:

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While Boeser was eventually able to make it to the bench and dressing room under his own power, he did not return to the game. Jeannot was given a match penalty and ejected. He will likely face discipline from the NHL Department of Player Safety.

There was not an update given on Boeser's health by the team as of yet, and they could be faced with the need to call up reinforcements from the AHL if Boeser were to miss any time.

Don't be surprised to see Arshdeep Bains summoned from the Abbotsford Canucks should Boeser be unable to play in Vancouver's next game.

#2. Quinn Hughes continues to stay hot

Thursday's game featured another top-notch performance from Vancouver's captain, who registered a goal and an assist. He now has three goals and 11 assists on the season.

He's picked up points in four of his last five games, and continues to demonstrate that being named the winner of the Norris Trophy last season was no fluke.

#1. Kevin Lankinen is the top man in net right now

While the Canucks are hoping that Thatcher Demko will be able to return to game action soon, their net is well protected right now by Lankinen.

He's authoring an incredible story in his first year with Vancouver, now 7-1 with a sparkling 2.08 goals-against average.

Demko will eventually reclaim his starting position in the Vancouver crease, but for now, the job is Lankinen's. In fact, the Canucks' coaching staff may even consider keeping him between the pipes for as long as he can keep up his strong play.